Confessions of a Miss: Miss World Australia, Courtney Thorpe

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Pageants NEWS

2 years ago

Courtney Thorpe, Miss World Australia 2014, gives an exclusive interview to us were she talks about the Miss World pageant that will be held in London upcoming December and also a little bit about herself.

What makes Australians so unique? Do you think that attribute will make you stand out during the competition?

I think the lifestyle in Australia encourages a laidback, easy going, friendly and approachable attitude. Something else that I think is unique and endearing about Australian’s, although it made sounds a little strange, is our ability to not take ourselves too seriously, we are always up for a laugh and a good joke. I would like to think that I am a true Aussie girl who encapsulates some of these qualities and I think they will help me stand out at the competition by being able to give off a fun, positive, welcoming and supportive energy to everyone around me.

Who’s your favorite Miss World and why?

Knowing that I wanted to participate in Miss World this year, I watched the pageant particularly closely last year to gain a strong understanding of what it was all about. I have since watched Megan Young’s journey as Miss World 2013 and she has become someone that I strongly look up to. Her down to earth and humble attitude that she has maintained is a trait that I find to be a sign of a truly strong and confident woman. Her passion to give back to her community and her strong sense of family are both qualities that resonate within me.

Let’s imagine you are crowned Miss World and there will be thousands of young girls that will immediately look up to you. What do you want those girls to learn from you?

I would want them to learn to be realistic. We are women; we are always going to compare ourselves to others, we are always going to be our harshest critics and put ourselves down and we are always going to want to change something about ourselves, and that’s ok. It’s about accepting the fact that you are never going to be perfect. It may sound cliché but everyone has good traits and bad traits, but contrary to what I was taught, it isn’t about ignoring your bad traits and only focusing on your good ones, it is about being totally aware of your personal pros and cons and accepting what you can’t change, and working on what you can.

The Beauty with a Purpose project tries to give significance to those in need. On what issue will your project have an emphasis on?

Miss World Australia has worked with indigenous communities for a number of years which I will get the opportunity to continue with this year. I will be drawing on my experience in primary education to focus on working with the children of these communities with a large focus on education in particular.

In the last couple of years, Australia has been really close to winning the crown. What’s the missing piece of the puzzle?

As we know Miss World is the largest pageant in the world and therefore means we are competing against the largest number of beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and talented women from around the globe. I don’t think it’s a case of something missing, but more so of it just not being the right time for Australia to win. However, Australia has performed consistently at a very high standard over the past few years. I am hopeful that I will be able to do Australia proud and maintain that standard and with any luck, maybe it might be our time this year!

Which contestants do you think are your biggest rivals? What do you think about Latinas?

One of my favourite parts of being involved with Miss World is the fact that we are selected based on so much more than just our looks, and seeing as I haven’t met any of the other contestants yet that is all I would have to base my opinion on, so I will have to get back to you on that one after I get to know them all a little more! So many of the Latinas I have met have a lot of energy, passion and sass, all qualities that I admire.

What do you think about the other major Grand-Slam pageant, Miss Universe? What made you decide to participate at the Miss World Australia ?

I have always said that pageants in general are a great way to celebrate women. Obviously each pageant has different core fundamentals and key focuses and it is about finding a pageant that is right for you. For me it was the Beauty with a Purpose message that drew me to Miss World. I loved the idea of being a part of something that not only celebrates women in a holistic manner but also enabled me to go beyond skin deep, give back to society, and do my part to make a positive impact and difference in the lives of those who need help.

Regardless of the result at Miss World, what mark do you want to leave in the competition?

I want to know I made the most of every moment. I want to be able to look back on the experience and not regret a single thing and know that I did everything to the very best of my ability, right through from my preparations to all the events that will take place in London.

Behind closed doors…

A book: The Diary of Anne FrankA movie: My Best Friend’s WeddingA place: There’s no place like home, but Rome comes close!A quote: "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention"One thing you must have on your purse: Lip BalmA scent: Gardenias, because it means Christmas is close!